A cat that has trouble urinating should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. They may experience urinary blockage (feline urethral obstruction). This is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated. Between 28-58 percent of cats experience urinary blockage during their lives.1 Urinary blockage can be quite costly for pet parents.
If this medical emergency occurs, pet parents do not want to spend time worrying about associated costs and whether they will be able to afford them. Pet parents should be aware of payment options, such as the CareCredit credit card that are available to pay for veterinary costs.*
Here we will discuss what cat urinary blockage is, various costs associated with diagnosis and treatment, and ways pet parents can afford the necessary care if this veterinary emergency occurs.
Cat Urinary Blockage: An Emergency?
A urinary blockage occurs when something blocks the urethra, which is the small tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. A urethral plug or urinary stone is the most common cause for obstruction. This obstruction prevents the cat from urinating to remove toxins from the body.
Male cats are at an increased risk of urinary blockage. Young males and senior males are most often affected.
When your cat is unable to urinate, it is a medical emergency that should be treated by a veterinarian immediately. Without prompt treatment, urinary blockage can lead to dangerously high potassium levels, kidney failure and toxin build-up within the bloodstream. It can cause sudden death in severe cases.
Treating Urinary Blockage in Cats: How Much Is It?
Treating urinary blockage in cats can be expensive. The cost of hospitalization and surgery to remove a urinary obstruction can range from $1,500-$4,500.2
Although individual costs vary by veterinary hospital and geographic region, pet parents can expect to pay for the following necessary interventions:
- Physical examination: A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, including checking the heart and lungs, hydration status, and vitality. Cost: $50-$150.
- Blood formation: The vet will check the cat’s general health with a blood sample, paying close attention to kidney values, electrolytes and pH. Cost: $175-$250.
- Sedation/anesthesia: To unblock the cat, sedation or general anesthesia is necessary. Cost: $100-$200.
- Catheterization: A veterinarian gently passes a urinary catheter through the urethra to relieve the obstruction and empty the bladder. This catheter stays in place for a few days and needs to be cleaned regularly. Cost: $50-$150.
- Urinalysis: Urine is examined to check for abnormalities, such as bacteria or crystals. Cost: $50-$100.
- Hospitalization: Cats with urinary blockage must be hospitalized for several days to receive fluids and other supportive care. Cost: $1,500 and up.
Even after successful treatment, cats can re-obstruct in the future, causing additional unexpected costs to pet parents.
Cost of Cat Urinary Blockage: 9 Ways to Pay
Fortunately, pet parents have many ways to pay for their cat’s urinary blockage treatment or surgery. Here is a list of some options:
Apply for a credit card
Credit cards can help pet parents make budgeted monthly payments over time. The CareCredit A pet and health card credit card is a popular choice to use for veterinary expenses. It can help you pay for the critical care your cat needs at vet locations on the network.*
Proactively set up and contribute to an emergency fund
An emergency fund is helpful for all of life’s unexpected events, including veterinary emergencies. Cats that have recurring urinary blockages can quickly accumulate expenses that need to be covered. Having an emergency fund relieves some stress for pet parents.
Discuss payment plan options with a hospital administrator
Some veterinary hospitals offer payment plans or facilities for large medical bills. The hospital administrator can educate pet parents about available options.
Apply for a personal loan through a bank
Many banks offer personal loans to consumers for a variety of reasons. Pet parents can use this option, but it can come with high interest rates.
Proactively obtain pet insurance and file claims to offset costs
Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, so it is important to establish coverage as soon as possible. This will be especially helpful if cat urinary blockage becomes a recurring condition.
Ask friends and family for financial help
Pet parents can enlist the help of family and close friends who may be willing to provide a loan to cover vet bills.
Borrow from a retirement account
Pet parents can choose to withdraw a lump sum from a retirement account early to offset unexpected costs. However, there are usually additional fees associated with withdrawing money early that pet parents should be aware of.
Start a crowdfunding campaign
Many online platforms are available for pet parents to collect donations from the community for medical expenses. GoFundMe is an option to consider.
Apply for a grant from a charitable organization
Some organizations keep funds specifically for animals going through crises. Pet parents can inquire about options from various local charities.
In Conclusion
Pet parents don’t have to worry about how they’ll pay for unexpected vet bills if their cat has a urinary blockage. Because these expenses can add up quickly, it’s ideal for pet parents to have a plan ahead of time. Fortunately, a variety of payment options exist to help defray the costs associated with these emergency conditions.
References:
- O’Hara, Kate. “Urethral Obstruction in Cats.” MSPSCA Angell. Taken from https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/urethral-obstruction-in-cats/
- Bauhaus, Jean Marie. “Cat UTIs: Common Symptoms and Treatment Options.” CareCredit Nu U. February 2024. Retrieved from https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/cat-uti/
*Subject to credit approval. See carecredit.com for details.
This information is shared for your convenience only. Neither Synchrony nor any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, makes any representations or warranties about the products described, and no endorsement is implied. You are encouraged to consult with your individual veterinarian regarding any professional advice presented.